Helping Your Basement Weather The Winter Storms

The northeastern part of this country is famous for a lot of things, but one that has remained constant for centuries is the winter weather we can receive. Locations like Maryland, Pennsylvania, and virtually every state in the northeast can be faced with some brutal winters. Just take a look at the recent double digit snowfalls we received if you need proof of this.

And while those snows are beautiful, they can bring with them some significant challenges – especially for a home. The big issue that is often overlooked while everyone is trying to stay warm lies below, in the basement. Our heavy rains are a challenge for basements, but so are our snowfalls. As the temperature drops below freezing, it can damage basement walls and set them up for serious flooding when the snow begins to thaw and saturates the ground.

But there are ways to fight against this issue and to ensure that your basement stays dry. Here are some of the key steps you’ll want to keep in mind.

First of all, waterproofing the basement walls is the primary step you need to take to keep things dry in the basement. By applying a waterproofing coating to the exterior of the walls you can set up a barrier against moisture that will keep your home safe.

It’s also worth taking a look at the lay of the land. If a slope is sending large amounts of water right towards your home, changing the grade of the property or installing a diverting feature or ditch may be needed.

In many cases, a drainage system buried around the perimeter of the foundation walls will help significantly too. These drainage systems are straightforward in design, but can reduce the amount of moisture that ever reaches your home.

Also, be sure that you take care of things inside. Check all plumbing pipes to ensure that they don’t leak, and then insulate them if they’re near exterior walls to prevent freezing. Sometimes basements get colder than we realize, and when that happens it can lead to burst pipes and major flooding.

If you’ll keep these steps in mind you should be able to fight against leaky basements. Our team can help you get the dry basement you deserve, so don’t hesitate to contact us today to set up a consultation visit.